This is an absolutely great hostel - brand new, very clean, spacious ground floor (this is the common area) but maybe not enough seating when the hostel is fully booked (add a couch?). One can feel that everything is brand new, my room (8 people dorm) had a top light and bottom lights (next to the beds) for the night, which I thought was great. The bed is very comfortable and you can choose between three or four types of pillows (sic!)! My bed had a total of 3 power outlets + 1 USB port + my own lamp that stretches over the entire width of the bed. I didn't like too much that the lockers come with keys (mine was already bent) since I prefer to use my own padlock, but I guess most people won't bring their own so this is fine.
A big advantage is the lovely staff, they are really welcoming and helped me to reserve a ticket for a Geisha dance performance and told me where to pick it up.
I have stayed near the station before, which was nice for connections, but this hostel has everything nearby and the bus line 50 is literally just steps away (9min to Kyoto station) and many other bus lines are within 5 minutes walking distance. For me, this hostel is just great.
Now, why am I writing this lengthy review? Because on my last night (I stayed 4 nights), I had the entire 4th floor to myself and I felt like helping the ladies out with a review, so others may choose to book here. If you're reading this: You won't regret staying here.
Very clean. The bed was comfortable. Breakfast is some sweet bread. They set out options for pillows from you to choose from. It's a healthy walking distance from Kyoto station with light luggage and the the Nishiki Market area but far enough that it's quiet. Front desk staff was nice. The kitchen and common area downstairs are clean and fine. There is one washer and one dryer and a clothesline on the roof.
It seems like the management is still learning the ropes with this place so I want to make the following suggestions: 1) Since the room size can't be changed, change the layout by moving the bed (in the private room) to one side because there is only 1' of clearance around it and it's really annoying to maneuver yourself around with the small luggage of two people (and I'm a petite person), 2) Dim the lights of the bathroom area during quiet time because the doors aren't completely flush against the frame and it will remind all guests to slow down activity and follow the rules and not blow-dry their hair in the middle of the night (multiple people did that every night), 3) Put a cover on the clothesline on the rooftop so that clothes have a chance to dry even in the cold and sometimes rainy autumn climate.